Michael Sword Upper Guard
Date made: Viking: 800-1265
Maker: unknown
Description: The hollow copper alloy upper guard still has a small amount of iron mass attached - this may be the remains of the tang of the blade. The boat-shaped guard gently curves upwards away from the blade. There are three main decorative panels. The largest and middle panel shows a curving interlace design whilst the two on either side show more of a knot design with a central diamond shape. This matches the fragments of what is assumed to be the lower guard (2008-0124/5-7). The decoration towards the ends of the upper guard shows further interlace.
All the designs are present on both faces of the upper guard.
(lower object in image)
One of the holes which held the rivets of the pommel is complete, the other hole has merged into the central gap which would have accommodated the tang of the blade.
Measurements: 69.8mm x 15.7mm x 17.8mm
Materials: copper alloy
Date found: 2008-03
Collection: Archaeology Collection
ID number: 2008-0124/2